Little Moments

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

There was a rush excitement coursing through my veins. Some of it was nerves, but there was also something else; something that always accompanied me when I stepped out of my comfort zone. Adrenaline.

I stood ready at the right side of the stage and watched as the musical act performed. I tuned out the song and looked down at the blue satin dress they'd landed on for me during the fitting. It draped across my body as easily as water. One shoulder was bare while the other was covered by the soft fabric that floated down to the top of my elbow. The dress ended by my left knee on one side and then gradually slid down to my heel on the other.

It was literally the perfect dress and I couldn't have dreamed it up if I'd tried. Realistically though it probably cost as much as my college tuition. Or more.

The woman finished her song and people applauded. A strong, male, voice followed on the speakers. "And now, to present the award for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role is the lovely girl who won the chance to be a guest speaker today. Please give a warm welcome to Scheana James!"

I had actually had to go through on how to spell my name earlier with this guy, just so they could make sure everything went smoothly.

Walking onto the stage and out into the open I plastered a smile on my face as I took it all in. It was beyond anything I could've imagined. The applause rang loud and the seats seemed to have been filled to the brim. The noise was deafening.

I made sure to keep the smile in place until I reached the microphone. Okay, look at the teleprompter and say your piece.

"Thank you," my voice rang out with a confidence that was unlike me and the people settled down. "Here are the nominees for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role!" Smile. Look at the main screen. I followed the instructions and turned my head.

The six men and their performances rolled across the large screen, it was everything from newcomer (in the big league, anyway) Tony Mason to old veteran Gregory Trellaware. How old was that guy now? 70?

A woman came and handed me an envelope and I turned back to the microphone. She stood next to me while I did what I had spent the last three weeks watching videos of on youtube. I tore the string.

I lifted the card slowly and began reading the text they had supplied on the card.

"This year's winner is a talent in more ways than one. He might be a newcomer to this particular award, but he is hardly a newcomer to us. The winner is Tony Mason!"

I clapped my hands in tact with everyone else as the camera zoomed in on Tony's face as he grinned and walked up the steps to the stage.

The woman next to me handed him his new glass trophy and we both stepped back so he could speak. I couldn't deny that he was making a simple black suit look a kind of sexy that had to borderline on illegal.

"Wow, this is so unexpected."

Oh yeah, I'm sure.

"Thank you to everyone who made this happen, I feel so blessed to have come this far and I couldn't have done it without every single one of you. You're what keeps me going. Thank you!" 

The crowd applauded and I made my way backstage as I wondered why he hadn't mentioned any names. For someone who was so certain he was going to win you'd think that he would've jotted down at least a couple of names beforehand.

I didn't feel sick to my stomach as I went back to the dressing room to put on one of my own dresses, I felt empowered. It had been a complete rush standing up there in front of all those people and being partly in control. I'd enjoyed it more than I'd thought I would.